on May 23, 2025 If you’re like me, you plan your vacation around the food. And when you’re on a cruise, the good news is you’ll never go hungry. But with so many options onboard, how do you know which cruise dining option to choose? Should you stick with the included main dining room meals, or spring for a signature dining experience? I like a little of both, so I’m sharing my strategy for choosing which meals to splurge on and which ones to skip. When I’m cruising, I tend to get lost in the wind, but I do follow a few cruise dos and don’ts.
Main Dining on a Cruise Ship
Dinner in the main dining room is the original cruise dining experience. It’s included in your cruise fare, so you don’t have to pay extra to enjoy multi-course meals every night. You can typically expect set dining times that you choose in advance, or “anytime dining” if the ship offers it, when you arrive at a convenient time, and you may have to wait for a table. If you have a set time, you’ll have an assigned table with the same servers each night. We really enjoy getting to know our servers, and they are great at remembering preferences like water with no ice or extra bread service. Plan your next trip and find amazing deals with these links.
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This post includes affiliate links. Please read our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy On one cruise, my son asked for extra kiwi. Every meal after that, a bowl of kiwi awaited us on the table when we arrived. Main dining also has a rotating menu with a mix of crowd-pleasers and chef specials each night, and an upscale casual atmosphere. I have sailed with Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Virgin Voyages, and I have had great experiences with main dining in all of them. You can also have breakfast, brunch, and/or lunch in the main dining rooms, which is a nice way to avoid the buffet if you want a quieter experience. Just check your cruising calendar for opening times.
Signature Dining on a Cruise Ship
Signature or specialty dining restaurants are usually fancier, more intimate venues that charge an extra fee. Think of them as a typical night out at home: You make a reservation, show up, and pay for your order. The offerings on cruise ships are similar to those in the main dining room, but a little better. Think steakhouses with filets instead of NY Strip, sushi bars, Italian bistros, or even chef’s table experiences. The atmosphere is typically more intimate and less crowded than the main areas. If you want to experience signature dining without the high price tag, try going for dessert or an appetizer.
How to Choose Between Main and Signature Dining
Many cruise lines offer all-inclusive or dining packages in advance for a fee. In my experience, packages are more expensive than simply ordering as we go, so we skip them. We always dine out at at least one specialty restaurant when we cruise. Here’s my general pros and cons list to help decide.
Stick with Main Dining if:
You want to save money You’re traveling with kids or a group You like the idea of a consistent schedule and server
Try Signature Dining if:
You’re celebrating something You’re a foodie who lives for a well-cooked filet mignon You want a quieter, more romantic night The restaurant has food you can’t get anywhere else on the ship
Izumi on Royal Caribbean is a must for sushi lovers and makes a great date night. They also have one of my favorite desserts, chocolate lava cake. If you can’t get a reservation, head to the dining desk as soon as you board to try for a time or get on the waitlist. We also like getting wings and a pitcher of beer from Playmaker’s on Royal Caribbean. If you can believe it, wings are hard to come by on a cruise, and beer in a pitcher actually comes out at a savings!
Other Ways to Dine Free
Aside from the main dining room, there is a buffet and plenty of quick-service dining options onboard. Check the buffet for theme nights if you enjoy a particular type of food. We love Indian food nights and Asian food at the buffet. Of course, there’s always time for a slice of pizza or some fries on the way to a show, not to mention the endless soft-serve ice cream.
Quick Cruise Dining Tips
Book early if there is a specific restaurant you want to try. Some specialty restaurants offer embarkation day deals. Ask your main dining server what nights are best on the MDR menu so you don’t miss a favorite. Check the themes in both main dining and the buffet for each night. Don’t skip the MDR just because it’s included—some of the best meals are totally free! Try brunch or lunch in the main dining room for a calmer atmosphere and a different menu from the buffet. Dining packages can be worth it if you plan to eat at multiple specialty spots, but we typically pay as we go.
Cruising is all about variety. Whether you stick to the main dining room or treat yourself to a signature dinner (or two), you really can’t go wrong. It’s your vacation, your rules, and your dessert. I can assure you, you won’t leave hungry. Who can resist breakfast on the balcony? If you loved this post, please share and/or comment below! 🌟 Like this post? Share it with friends!
